hello all! i have committed to Swarthmore but was just accepted off of the wait list at Brown. I know that the schools are very different, but both do share the vein of intellectual curiosity + desire to contribute/change the world that I’ve always wanted in my college experience. and now i need to make this incredibly difficult decision. I’m hoping people can speak to their experience/s at Swat, specifically socially. I have heard a great deal about the unrivaled academics, but I’ve also heard a great deal of negative-ish stereotypes and I’m wondering if they hold true (awkward, nerdy in an overwhelming way – i’m ok with good amounts of nerdiness, crazy crazy small-feeling, cliquey, etc.).
all I can say is that my son, a senior about to graduate in CS/Engineering, is the absolute opposite of an awkward nerd. He’s an active member of the outdoor club (hiking, rock climbing), funny, has plenty of friends, interested in politics and world events, and very “balanced.” His friends who I have met are much the same. I honestly don’t know where the stereotype comes from. Did you visit? What was your impression?
Brown is a great school, no question. But certainly larger! I do know that when my kid was accepted to Swat he declined his Brown waitlist entry FWIW.
As a current Swarthmore student, I love Swat! My freshman year had many ups and downs, but I’m so glad that I attend Swarthmore - it’s an amazing place. I can answer any questions in more detail, if you want, but I hope you chose Swat.
The social life here is actually one of the best things about it!
@LZh2017 it’s really great to read this reply! I saw your name in a thread from last year where you were hesitant to attend Swat because of the workload and the grade deflection, so it’s nice to see that things turned out well for you. I’m the parent of a high school junior who is considering Swat. It’s my number 1 choice but he is the one who will be attending the school so he is the one to make the choices.
@LZh2017 do you mind expanding on the reasons for why you love Swat? Do you have any advice for an incoming freshman at Swarthmore? I will be an incoming freshman and am honestly a little scared of the intensity at Swat.
@ninakatarina Hi there! Yes, I’m very happy with Swarthmore! I will say that one of the reasons why I was hesitant about going to Swat was because I had gotten rejected from a bunch of ivies that I thought I would have preferred. Right now, I’m really happy that I ended up at Swat, because I love the small size - it has so many benefits! I wish your junior the best of luck!
I recommend you read profiles of both schools in an Insider’s College Guide. They are very different in terms of culture, size, location and so forth. My understanding that while both are academically rigorous, Brown is more chill while Swarthmore is intense.
@Kelvin82 Congrats on choosing a college - I’m so glad it’s Swat! I can answer any/all of your questions about life/academics at swat, so feel free to ask about specifics. BUT, one of the best parts about freshman year is the pass/fail first semester, and it helps you get used to the intense academics at Swat and explore the campus, the city, the social life, other extracurricular activities. My advice would be take interesting classes, but also take challenging classes so you get used to the intensity and know how to handle it better next semester. BUT, please please, take it easy during your first semester! A lot of people have this attitude where they think they don’t need a break between high school and college, and should still aim for high grades because they’re at Swat and are capable of getting good grades. While this is true, my only regret from first semester is not relaxing more! I’m not saying don’t care about your classes/academics - enjoy what is being taught! But, go to sleep early, and prioritize your health and social life more than academics that first semester!